Stella Steps Up Week 7: Halfway through the fitness journey

It's been seven weeks since more than a dozen KULR-8 employees started on a journey to better health and nutrition.

The KULR-8 fitness team is transforming since the start of the Corporate Fitness Challenge, a commitment by several KULR-8 employees to get healthier, while Granite Health & Fitness trainers support the effort. Healthier foods, including more salads, are becoming go-to meals.

"Since the challenge has started, I've probably only gone out for fast food only once or twice," Tracy Smith, KULR-8 Meteorologist said. Water is a staple on many desks.

"One thing I've been better about is hydrating so I fill this (big water bottle) at the start of my shift and I've also marked some different reasons, kind of my motivation on why it's important for me to drink this," KULR-8 reporter Melinda Lee said.

The KULR-8 team is getting into a rhythm.

"The energy is higher. The commitment level is higher. It's that intangible thing you can feel and sense in the air," said Jenn Thompson, Granite Health & Fitness Trainer.

"I've tried to incorporate my family into the challenge with me. My mom and I constantly talk about what is she eating, what am I eating," added Tracy Smith.

While the tide is turning, the days are not without challenges."I started food logging. I stopped because I was not eating well and I didn't want anyone to see it," said Emily Nantz, KULR-8's Executive Producer.

"If you're not food logging and not keeping track, those little snacks here and there, they're going to add up," said Kari Bogner, Granite Health & Fitness Trainer. However, trainers say food, an important part of good health, is not an enemy.

The message is resonating.

"You're allowed to enjoy food. You just have to eat it in moderation and choose your treats when you want to have them and not have them all of the time," said Leah Jordan, a KULR-8 reporter.

"I've got a lot of energy after all the good foods I'm eating. I definitely need to get back into exercising more," said KULR-8 producer Tyson Adams.

The honesty and resolve to improve is the exciting part of this fitness transformation.

"This has really taught me to better about long-term goals than short -term goals and knowing that if I keep it steady, then I will eventually be to where I want to be," added Emily Nantz.

"One thing I'd also like to do is participate in the Montana Marathon that goes through Billings," Melinda adds.

"I want tone arms and I'm not going to stop until I get them," Leah said.

"We're hoping that in this, everyone's going to be able to find a way to work it into their lifestyle and make it a lifestyle change," emphasized Kari Bogner. Trainers say the team effort is paying off.

When one person has an off day, there's always someone around who can give an encouraging word.

It's one of the most famous cold cases in Montana. 20 years ago today, Miranda Fenner was murdered while working at a video store in Laurel. On November 15th, 1998, 18-year old Miranda Fenner was stabbed in the head and neck by an unidentified assailant.

It's one of the most famous cold cases in Montana. 20 years ago today, Miranda Fenner was murdered while working at a video store in Laurel. On November 15th, 1998, 18-year old Miranda Fenner was stabbed in the head and neck by an unidentified assailant.

At around 10 AM Sunday Morning, Billings Fire responded to a structure fire at 210 Avenue C near Daylis Stadium. The owner of the property, Jay Gee, says he was inside the house when a trash can filled with oil rags and wood chippings caught on fire.

At around 10 AM Sunday Morning, Billings Fire responded to a structure fire at 210 Avenue C near Daylis Stadium. The owner of the property, Jay Gee, says he was inside the house when a trash can filled with oil rags and wood chippings caught on fire.

David's Bridal is filing for bankruptcy protection but there is no danger for customers who have ordered dresses because operations continuing as normal while the wedding and prom retailer restructures.

David's Bridal is filing for bankruptcy protection but there is no danger for customers who have ordered dresses because operations continuing as normal while the wedding and prom retailer restructures.

If you’ve noticed a little more facial hair around your office, that’s because it’s the annual, "No Shave November". Besides the burly look, this month is dedicated to prostate cancer awareness. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The most viable ages for prostate cancer are between 55-70, with 60% of cases diagnosed at the age of 65+. However, without proper screenings, can...

If you’ve noticed a little more facial hair around your office, that’s because it’s the annual, "No Shave November". Besides the burly look, this month is dedicated to prostate cancer awareness. According to the American Cancer Society, 1 in 9 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime. The most viable ages for prostate cancer are between 55-70, with 60% of cases diagnosed at the age of 65+. However, without proper screenings, can...

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KHQ.COM - Most mothers can only hope by the time their children grow up and move out of the house, they've learned all the necessary things to be a successful adult, including the basic knowledge that a turkey must be cooked in an oven, or perhaps in a smoker... NOT in a microwave. For this reason a new prank-challenge going around on Facebook is resulting in some hilarious text conversations between mothers and their grown children.

KHQ.COM - Most mothers can only hope by the time their children grow up and move out of the house, they've learned all the necessary things to be a successful adult, including the basic knowledge that a turkey must be cooked in an oven, or perhaps in a smoker... NOT in a microwave. For this reason a new prank-challenge going around on Facebook is resulting in some hilarious text conversations between mothers and their grown children.

Montana wildlife officials say three deer in Blaine County have tested positive for a brain wasting disease. The Great Falls Tribune reports that the deer found to have chronic wasting disease were all harvested within a priority surveillance area.

Montana wildlife officials say three deer in Blaine County have tested positive for a brain wasting disease. The Great Falls Tribune reports that the deer found to have chronic wasting disease were all harvested within a priority surveillance area.

At around 10 AM Sunday Morning, Billings Fire responded to a structure fire at 210 Avenue C near Daylis Stadium. The owner of the property, Jay Gee, says he was inside the house when a trash can filled with oil rags and wood chippings caught on fire.

At around 10 AM Sunday Morning, Billings Fire responded to a structure fire at 210 Avenue C near Daylis Stadium. The owner of the property, Jay Gee, says he was inside the house when a trash can filled with oil rags and wood chippings caught on fire.

Billings Fire arrived to flames and smoke at 615 Samuel Court in the Heights. Battalion Chief Kevin Johnson said Billings Police were the first to arrive on scene. An officer was able to close the front door of the apartment, initially containing the fire from other apartment complexes.

Billings Fire arrived to flames and smoke at 615 Samuel Court in the Heights. Battalion Chief Kevin Johnson said Billings Police were the first to arrive on scene. An officer was able to close the front door of the apartment, initially containing the fire from other apartment complexes.

The 47th Northern Plains Resource Council Meeting was held today at the Northern Hotel in Billings. The grassroots organization explored multiple topics including Colstrip's future, the Keystone Pipeline, and the future of clean energy in Montana.

The 47th Northern Plains Resource Council Meeting was held today at the Northern Hotel in Billings. The grassroots organization explored multiple topics including Colstrip's future, the Keystone Pipeline, and the future of clean energy in Montana.

A group of local photographers got together at the Post at the Billings Depot to take some "Portraits for a Cause." $45 dollar family portraits and $35 dollar head shots were available from 10 AM to 4 PM.

A group of local photographers got together at the Post at the Billings Depot to take some "Portraits for a Cause." $45 dollar family portraits and $35 dollar head shots were available from 10 AM to 4 PM.

Rise Again Tattoo continues to show the Billings community that they're not your typical tattoo parlor. "Our entire vision you know with this shop was to influence the people show them that tattoo is a community of love and that we can do positive things for the community and be selfless you know," said Alex Carmel, owner of Rise Again Tattoo.

Rise Again Tattoo continues to show the Billings community that they're not your typical tattoo parlor. "Our entire vision you know with this shop was to influence the people show them that tattoo is a community of love and that we can do positive things for the community and be selfless you know," said Alex Carmel, owner of Rise Again Tattoo.

While searching the area around the bridge at Reed Point where Brandon Fitch was last seen, his family came upon a makeshift grave they believed was large enough for a man. Unfortunately, they confirmed that the burial mound contains the remains of another family's pet dog, Digger.

While searching the area around the bridge at Reed Point where Brandon Fitch was last seen, his family came upon a makeshift grave they believed was large enough for a man. Unfortunately, they confirmed that the burial mound contains the remains of another family's pet dog, Digger.

Veterans got a nice surprise today when 2nd graders came to deliver letters thanking the men and women who served in our U.S. Military. Second graders from Billings Catholic School walked over to West Park Senior Living to hand deliver their letters to the veterans.

Veterans got a nice surprise today when 2nd graders came to deliver letters thanking the men and women who served in our U.S. Military. Second graders from Billings Catholic School walked over to West Park Senior Living to hand deliver their letters to the veterans.